Pregnancy

How Can I Take Care of Myself During Pregnancy?

Pregnancy comes with many changes and emotions. You might feel happiness, uncertainty, anticipation, and even anxiety. It’s natural to be focused on preparing for your baby’s arrival, but don’t forget that your well-being is just as important.

Taking care of yourself during pregnancy is vital to preparing for motherhood. At First Care, we’re here to walk alongside you with free and confidential support as you care for yourself and your baby.

Listen to Your Body

The demands of pregnancy can be overwhelming. It’s easy to keep pushing forward between prenatal visits, preparing your home, and gathering baby supplies. That’s why it’s so important to check in with yourself and be honest about what you need.

Don’t be afraid to speak up, whether you need to nap, have a quiet evening at home, or receive additional support from a loved one. The people in your life may want to support you, but they might not know how unless you share what would help most.

Rest Is Crucial

Sleep and rest are fundamental to a healthy pregnancy. Fatigue is normal, especially in the later months of pregnancy, and resting when you can helps prepare you for the physical demands ahead.

Taking short naps or enjoying a slower routine when possible can make a big difference.

Nourish Yourself

Eating well is an essential part of self-care. It’s not about perfection—it’s about giving your body what it needs to support your baby’s development and your energy levels. Incorporate a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, protein-rich foods, and water into your diet.

Taking prenatal vitamins and eating balanced meals are simple ways to support your health and your baby’s growth.

Keep Moving

Staying active can help improve your mood and keep your joints and muscles moving. Gentle movement, such as swimming, walking around the block, or stretching, can be instrumental in your daily routine.

Always consult your healthcare provider to find the level of activity that’s right for you.

Stay Connected

Spending time with a friend, having a quiet night in with family, or attending a support group for pregnant moms can help you feel grounded.

Pregnancy is full of change, and every day may feel different. You are worthy of having a strong community behind you to face the ups and downs. Give yourself permission to rest and ask for help. You deserve it.

You Don’t Have to Do It Alone

At First Care, we offer free and confidential resources to support you at every stage. Whether you need someone to talk to, help finding local services, or parenting education, we’re here.

Schedule an appointment today. We’re here to help.

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4 Tips for Managing Stress During Pregnancy

We know pregnancy can feel overwhelming and filled with stress at times. There are ways to reduce the anxiety you feel drastically. We’re here to share four tips for managing stress during pregnancy.

At First Care, we are here to walk with you as you seek answers during your pregnancy and beyond. We offer free and confidential pregnancy services and options information.

Tips for Managing Stress During Pregnancy

#1: Work through your emotions

While working through every emotion that comes your way can be difficult right now, try it one day at a time. Write about your feelings, talk it out with a friend, or slow down to process your emotions.

Your mind and body will thank you later for taking the time to work through every emotion as best as possible. It’s worth the effort.

#2: Spend time with friends/family

A study conducted by Carnegie Mellon University found that people use their family and friends as a stress buffer, talking through their problems instead of engaging in negative coping mechanisms.

Being with friends and family can reduce stress and ease your mind and your future. We all need a tribe around us, especially during pregnancy.

#3: Self-Care

Self-care is a form of self-love, and it’s a great way to feel refreshed and taken care of during pregnancy. It’s a way of caring for yourself physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Create a self-care routine and rhythm, or simply set a day to pamper yourself with everything you need and love. This could look like:

• Going to the spa or sauna
• Pilates with a friend
• Journaling/self-reflection
• Going on a run/walk in nature
• Meal prepping for the week
• Trying a new recipe

#4: Prepare for what’s next

We all know how tempting it is to procrastinate when stressed. Alleviate some stress by doing the things you’ve been putting off for a while.

Give yourself a deadline and stick to it. When you actually do what you’ve been stressed about, it will feel like the world’s weight is off your shoulders.

We’re Here for You

Our team is here to help you navigate pregnancy. We offer free pregnancy services and support so you can confidently make your next move. Talk to us today to find support.

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Why Does an Ultrasound Matter if I’m Considering Abortion?

Are you wondering why you need an ultrasound if you’re thinking about abortion? An ultrasound is essential to your pregnancy confirmation journey. It’s vital for determining your pregnancy’s viability and available pregnancy options.

Why An Ultrasound Matters

An ultrasound safeguards your health and gives you clarity to help you move forward with whichever option you choose. Here are three details an ultrasound confirms for you.

1. How Far Along You Are

An ultrasound tells you the gestational age or how far along you are in your pregnancy. This will help you understand the options available at your pregnancy stage and your estimated due date.

For instance, the abortion pill (medical abortion) is only FDA-approved for women through the first ten weeks of pregnancy. After this point of pregnancy, there are increased risks involved, which could make another option safer for you.

Additionally, if you are planning to carry to term for parenting or adoption, an ultrasound will help you estimate your due date to plan for the future.

2. The Location of Your Pregnancy

An ultrasound confirms your pregnancy’s location to reveal whether it is located inside or outside the uterus.

When a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, it is known as an ectopic pregnancy. It is a non-viable pregnancy that can be dangerous and even life-threatening if not treated quickly.

Keep in mind that medical abortion will not treat an ectopic pregnancy due to its location. This means ectopic pregnancies can go undetected if women decide to take the abortion pill without first having an ultrasound scan.

3. Whether Your Pregnancy Is Progressing

Lastly, an ultrasound confirms whether your pregnancy has a heartbeat and is progressing.

You can get a positive pregnancy test and still be experiencing a miscarriage. If an ultrasound cannot detect a heartbeat, it could be too early in the pregnancy to detect it, or you may have experienced a miscarriage, which is a sudden pregnancy loss.

It’s critical to seek medical attention if you may have miscarried to determine if treatment is necessary or if the miscarriage has resolved on its own.

Before an Abortion

You deserve all the information to make an informed pregnancy decision. At First Care, we offer lab-quality urine pregnancy testing, limited ultrasounds, options counseling, material assistance, and STI testing and treatment, all completely free of charge.

Talk with our team today and schedule a free appointment to get answers about your pregnancy and options. We’re here for you.

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What Do I Need to Know if I Am Pregnant in College?

Being pregnant in college can be a nerve-wracking experience. However, as you assess your situation and take the next steps, know that you don’t have to experience them alone.

First Care provides free and confidential services that offer all the information you need to feel confident about your pregnancy decision. During a time when you feel like your future is up in the air, know that we’re here to help you process as you navigate what is next.

Keep reading to learn what to consider while pregnant in college. You can also schedule an appointment to connect with our staff.

You Can Still Continue Your Education.

Despite what you may have heard, pregnancy doesn’t mean you are unable to finish school and accomplish your dreams. No one can legally discriminate against you for being pregnant or having a child.

Title IX protects you from this discrimination. It requires schools to allow you to keep participating in classes and extracurriculars, provide reasonable accommodations like more frequent bathroom breaks, protect you from harassment, and more.

Excused absences also must be permitted for pregnancy and childbirth.

Though the law is on your side, you can also advocate for your rights by meeting with a Title IX coordinator or school counselor and reporting any problems.

You can still meet your academic goals. However, if you’re worried about the social aspect of an unexpected pregnancy, we can help.

This is Your Life. This is Your Decision.

Experiencing pregnancy while in college may feel unpredictable. You may worry about what your friends and classmates think, how you’ll tell your parents, and what options are available.

First Care is here for you. Our Client Advocates can assess your needs, provide community resources that offer support while in school, help you navigate conversations with loved ones, and more.

Even while you’re in school, you still have the right to make a pregnancy decision. No one can force you to choose one option over another.

We provide free, lab-quality pregnancy testing and limited ultrasounds to confirm your pregnancy. We can also provide a Proof of Pregnancy Form for insurance or benefits purposes.

Once you’ve confirmed your pregnancy, we can discuss your options. The pregnancy decision is yours alone; we provide nonjudgmental information as you weigh each option.

You are stronger than you think. We’re here to help as you move forward.

Free and Confidential Services

First Care offers comprehensive pregnancy medical services in a safe, professional environment. You are not alone.

Schedule an appointment today. Same-day appointments are also available.

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What Are My Second-Trimester Pregnancy Options?

While schools divide a year into two semesters, fall and spring, a pregnancy is divided into three trimesters. The first trimester is from week one to week 13, the second is from week 14 to week 26, and the third is from week 27 to week 40.

Choosing to Parent

Just because your pregnancy is unplanned, it doesn’t meIn Minnesota, you have three options for your pregnancy during the second trimester. You can choose to parent, make an adoption plan, or have an abortion. Let’s take a closer look at all three.

an it’s impossible to parent. You may be surprised at the number of resources available to help you.

Minnesota assists single parents and families managing financial strain with the following services, depending on eligibility:

• Housing
• Utilities
• Medical and Dental Care
• Food
• Childcare
• Emergency cash

At First Care, we offer resources personalized to your family situation, including:

• Community Resources
• Grants and Financial Aid Assistance
• Prenatal Classes
• Birthing Classes
• Parenting Program
• Baby Items (including diapers, wipes, clothing, equipment, etc.)

Making an Adoption Plan

If you don’t feel prepared to parent at this time, you may want to consider making an adoption plan for your child. You are in control of the process every step of the way.

You can choose the adoptive parents who raise your child. By personally selecting a family, you are able to decide the home and environment that is best for you and your child. There are different levels of openness that you are able to pick from. In each phase of the adoption process, you are supported and empowered in whatever decision you make.

Here are some of the benefits of choosing to make an adoption plan for your child:

• No cost for birth parents
• Continuing a relationship with your child
• Financial assistance for food, clothing, housing, etc.
• Counseling before and after the placement occurs
• Receive legal representation
• Ongoing support

Selecting adoption is a difficult decision, but the ball is in your court. By meeting with one of our Expectant Parent Social Workers, you can learn more about the process, look through family profiles, and communicate your preferences. Meeting with a social worker does NOT mean that you have committed to an adoption plan. You are able to change your mind at any point until the adoption placement is secure.

Having an Abortion

Your third option is to have an abortion. Minnesota law approves abortion throughout your pregnancy, so it is possible to have a second-trimester abortion.

We do not perform or refer for abortion, but we can give you medically-accurate information about abortion procedures, potential side effects, and the associated risks.

There are two main types of abortion: medication abortion and surgical abortion.

Medication Abortion (aka the abortion pill method)

• The FDA approves the use of abortion drugs through 10 weeks of pregnancy, which is only within the first trimester. An ultrasound can help to determine how far along you are in your pregnancy.
• The later you are in your pregnancy, the less effective the drugs are.
• Side effects include bleeding, cramping, fever, and diarrhea.
• Risks include an incomplete abortion, heavy bleeding, infection, and fever.

Surgical Abortion

• At 14 or more weeks, you may have a procedure called dilation and curettage (D & C).
• An article printed in the National Library of Medicine concluded that women having second-trimester abortions were more likely to report pain.
• Side effects include bleeding and cramping.
• Risks include infection, uterine perforation (the surgical instrument pokes a hole in the uterus), and heavy bleeding.

Visit First Care for More Information

Schedule a free and confidential appointment with one of our professional client care workers at one of our First Care locations. We can discuss your individual situation and all the options that are available to you.

All of our services are free and confidential. We’re here for you every step of the way.

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My Birth Control Failed: What Do I Do?

No method of birth control or contraception can completely prevent pregnancy. If you’re seeing a positive result on your at-home pregnancy test, then it’s clear your birth control failed.

While this can be extremely nerve-racking, know that you are not alone. Many women find themselves experiencing an unexpected pregnancy and visit First Care for support.

Here are some next steps to take after discovering you are pregnant despite using birth control.

1. Confirm Your Pregnancy

A positive pregnancy test doesn’t tell the full story. It’s possible to have a positive test and then learn that there are complications with your pregnancy. Only an ultrasound scan can confirm the viability and location of your pregnancy.

About 10-20% of known pregnancies end in miscarriage. Miscarriage occurs when the pregnancy ends on its own before the 20th week of pregnancy.

About 2% of pregnancies are ectopic, which happens when a fertilized egg implants outside of the uterus, typically in a fallopian tube. This type of pregnancy is non-viable, meaning it cannot be carried to term and survive. It can also be potentially life-threatening.

An ultrasound scan can screen for either of these complications by detecting a heartbeat and verifying the location of your pregnancy. It’s critical to receive an ultrasound, no matter the options you are considering, so that you can be informed and protect your health.

2. Learn Your Gestational Age

An ultrasound can also tell you how far along you are, which is important for all three of your options: parenting, adoption, and abortion.

For parenting and adoption, you will learn your probable due date, allowing you to plan ahead.

If you’re considering an abortion, knowing the pregnancy’s gestational age will determine your available abortion options. The abortion pill is only FDA-approved for use within the first ten weeks of pregnancy. After that, you would have to opt for another type of abortion.

3. Weigh Your Options

Once you have confirmed your pregnancy’s viability, location, and gestational age, you can start weighing and assessing your options. You might not know what to do at first, but looking into each option can bring clarity.

Ask yourself questions like “Could I see myself choosing this option?” or “What would my future look like if I picked this?”

Then, take stock of your resources. If you are considering parenting but feel it’s too difficult or expensive, many organizations like ours are ready to provide support, classes, and supplies.

Choose for yourself. The decision will impact you more than anyone else.

Start with First Care

First Care offers 100% free and confidential pregnancy services, including lab-quality pregnancy testing and ultrasounds. We are here to support you as you consider what to do next.

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What Do I Need to Know if I Am Pregnant in High School?

You might have imagined Friday night football games, learning to drive, and attending prom during high school, but not pregnancy.

If you’re in high school and recently found out that you’re pregnant, we are here to support you. We know that this can be a shocking and stressful situation. Scheduling an appointment at First Care can be a great first step as you will have a safe space to discuss all your options with our licensed, compassionate staff members.

As you process, here are a few things to keep in mind if you are pregnant as a high schooler.

You Have Rights

You may wonder what continuing your high school classes and activities could look like.

Under Title IX, you receive protection from any discrimination based on pregnancy or parenting in educational programs or activities. Any school — public or private — that receives federal funds must comply.

This protection means you can continue with your school year and any programs you participate in. Here are a few things your school must do:

• Allow you to continue participating in classes and extracurricular activities
• Provide you with reasonable adjustments, such as a larger desk or more frequent trips to the restroom
• Excuse absences for pregnancy or childbirth for as long as a doctor says is necessary
• Allow you to return to the same academic and extracurricular status
• Protect you from harassment

2. Your Future Extends Beyond High School

While it’s incredibly overwhelming to face an unexpected pregnancy, especially in high school, it’s critical to think beyond your high school years.

Your decision will change your life. You must make a choice you feel comfortable having as part of your story.

If you’re concerned about what others might think of you or your reputation, remember that you may not see many of your classmates in a few years. They may move, attend different colleges, or start full-time jobs. Those you stay in touch with will be the ones you consider your closest friends.

Don’t let others or fear decide what is next for you. Make your next choices based on what you want for your future.

3. You Have Three Choices

You have three choices: parenting, abortion, and adoption. While your parents or partner may have opinions or try to pressure you, remember that the decision is ultimately yours.

We can provide you with accurate information on all three of these options and resources. You deserve to make an informed and empowered choice.

Visit First Care for Pregnancy Confirmation

If you’ve only had a positive pregnancy test, it’s time for a free ultrasound.

An ultrasound aims to confirm the viability of your pregnancy, get an accurate gestational age (based on fetal measurements), and look at the placement of the pregnancy. During this appointment, you will be supplied with important information regarding your health and pregnancy options. Schedule an appointment today!

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What Are the Early Pregnancy Symptoms?

The time between when you had sex and your expected period can feel like forever when you’re waiting to find out if you’re pregnant.

Most at-home pregnancy tests instruct you to wait until close to or after your missed period to get an accurate result. During that waiting time, you may experience signs and symptoms that make you suspect you’re pregnant.

Here are a few early pregnancy signs and symptoms you could experience.

1. Nausea with or without Vomiting

Have you been feeling nauseous? Commonly known as “morning sickness,” pregnancy nausea can happen at any time of day or night. While the cause isn’t fully known, it’s likely due to hormonal changes during pregnancy.

2.Tender, Swollen Breasts

If your breasts feel tender to touch, sore, or swollen, this could be an early pregnancy symptom. However, it can be similar to how your breasts can feel before a monthly period.

One difference during pregnancy is that your areolas (the area around your nipples) can darken and enlarge. If you notice this change, it could be a sign of pregnancy.

3.Fatigue

Do you feel sleepy, tired, or want to nap? Fatigue is a common early pregnancy symptom likely caused by high levels of the hormone progesterone. If you feel like you just can’t rest enough and you have lower-than-normal energy levels, it could be pregnancy.

4.Frequent Urination

Maybe you used to go hours without using the restroom, and now you have to look for one whenever you leave the house.

When pregnant, the body’s blood supply increases, causing the kidneys to process more fluid. The kidneys filtering more blood means extra fluid will end up in the bladder, leading to more frequent urges to urinate.

5.Missed Period

A missed period is one of the most obvious signs that you could be pregnant. However, women with irregular periods may not notice right away.

When you become pregnant, your body releases hormones to stop ovulation and menstruation. This means that you will not have a period until after pregnancy.

Are You Ready for Pregnancy Testing?

If you’ve missed your period, it’s time to take a pregnancy test.

Visit First Care for free lab-quality pregnancy testing. If your pregnancy test result is positive, we can schedule a free ultrasound scan to provide more information regarding your pregnancy as you navigate your next steps.

Schedule a confidential appointment at one of our five locations today!

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I’m Pregnant, and My Partner Is Abusive

If you are pregnant and feel powerless to escape your abusive relationship, you are not alone. You deserve to feel respected and safe in your relationships, and we are here to support you as you navigate this challenging situation.

If you require immediate assistance, please do not hesitate to contact the National Domestic Abuse Hotline at (800) 799-7233, or call 911. 

At First Care, we help provide emotional support and practical resources as you navigate your pregnancy, regardless of your situation. You are not stuck or alone. A life of freedom and hope is possible.

Find A Place Safe

If your partner has shown any signs of behaving aggressively or physically hurting you, it’s important to find a safe place as soon as possible. Even if there hasn’t been any actual violence, if your partner’s behavior is unpredictable or getting worse, it’s crucial to relocate to somewhere that you can be safe. Some options include:

• Staying with a friend or family member
• Contacting a local church for assistance
• A local women’s shelter 
• Staying at a hotel or another short-term rental while you create a plan

Consider Whether to Contact Law Enforcement

If you are facing physical abuse and are in immediate danger, it’s highly important that you seek help from the police right away. Physical abuse is a crime, and the police can assist in ensuring your safety.

While it’s understandable that you may not feel comfortable discussing your experience, especially if the assault happened recently, it’s essential to report the abuse so that you can be safe.

Seek Healing and Make a Plan

If you are living with an abusive partner, it doesn’t have to stay that way. You deserve a whole, fulfilling life free from fear. Acknowledging that fact alone is the first step towards freedom.

At First Care, we’re here for you. We can connect you to local resources to help support you during your pregnancy and beyond. 

Contact us today to make an appointment!

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How Do I Tell My Parents I’m Pregnant?

No matter your age, it can be daunting to share the news about an unplanned pregnancy with your parents. Because there’s no way to be 100% sure what their reaction will be, it can be difficult to prepare for such an unpredictable conversation.

However, there are steps that you can take to prepare yourself with information and resources so that you can share the news with confidence.

You can read further for practical steps about how to deliver the news of your pregnancy to your parents. 

Confirm Your Pregnancy

Before you tell them, you’ll want to be positive that you are in fact pregnant. At a minimum, avoid relying on common symptoms by taking an at-home pregnancy test at least one day after your first missed period. 

At First Care, we offer free lab-quality pregnancy testing that can be accurate as early as three weeks after the first day of your last period.

Prepare Yourself

After receiving a positive pregnancy test, it’s crucial to allow yourself time to process the news and come to terms with it. Remember, you are not obligated to share this information right away with anyone else.

If you have someone besides your parents whom you can trust, it may be helpful to reach out to them first to have someone to talk to and to process the news with.

Try to think ahead of questions they might ask, such as the pregnancy’s gestational age and viability, or more logistical questions, such as which pregnancy path you would like to choose. 

Consider utilizing First Care’s options counseling sessions, which provide an opportunity to educate yourself on all possible pregnancy outcomes, or to process any barriers that you may be facing in the midst of your pregnancy.

Remember to be kind and compassionate towards yourself, treating yourself with the same grace and patience you would extend to a friend facing a similar situation.

Next Steps

At First Care, we provide free, confidential services such as options counseling, pregnancy testing, ultrasounds, and parenting support through our Every Family program.

During an ultrasound, we can help you gather important details like the pregnancy’s gestational age, location, and viability. 

During an options counseling appointment, you can ask questions and discuss the options you are interested in exploring before you choose to deliver the news to your parents.

We can ensure you are equipped with the right information to confidently share the news with your parents. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!

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